Intelligent lighting control system pre-mount chassis apparatuses, systems, and methods

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides an intelligent lighting control system include a pre-mount chassis system. The methods include attaching a chassis to an electrical wall box, the chassis comprising at least one hook extending in an upward direction and at least one opening, the at least one hook positioned along a peripheral portion of the at least one opening. The methods include hanging a base module from the at least one hook in the chassis.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/360,319, filed on Jul. 9, 2016, entitled “INTELLIGENTLIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM PRE-MOUNT CHASSIS APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS, ANDMETHODS,” which application is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to the field of lightingcontrol systems.

BACKGROUND

Customizing and automating home lighting control devices is oftenepitomized by the installation of unsightly lighting switches that areinundated with light switches confusingly mapped to respective fixtures.Automated home lighting control systems can also include large, complex,expensive central hubs that require expert or skilled technicians forinstallation and/or operation. Smart light bulbs and/or Wi-Fi enabledlightbulbs introduced into any of these contexts or even in simpler onescan disadvantageously be limited by the light switch that it isassociated with and/or the lighting fixture itself. For example, if alight switch associated with a smart light bulb is switched off thesmart light bulb becomes inoperable.

SUMMARY

The inventors have appreciated that various embodiments disclosed hereinprovide apparatuses, systems, and methods for mounting intelligentlighting control system components.

Various embodiments provide a pre-mount system configured to be coupledto a wall box that permits base modules of a lighting control system tobe snapped into place. Accordingly, once the chassis is connected thisprecludes the need for additional screws or tools to install thelighting control system components once chassis is installed to wallbox. This allows for eased troubleshooting when wiring—allowing theinstaller to quickly access the wires if/when necessary. The chassiscreates a true/flat surface for each of the bases modules be coupledthereto and therefore also to the switches. The spacing and alignmentbetween each of the switches is tightly controlled by the chassis toprevent irregularities that are commonly found in many individual switchinstallations.

The chassis facilitates a vertical lock of the base modules once thewall plate is snapped in in place. While the slide-lock between the basemodules and chassis creates a convenient and simple assembly anddisassembly. Additionally, once the setup is complete, the bases [andtheir conjoined switches] are securely static. The wall plate, whichsnaps into chassis and surrounds the bases perimeter, creates ahard-stop to vertically constrain the bases to the chassis. Additionallydual use of slide-lock mechanism for temporary pre-mount and wireinstallation is afforded by the chassis pre-mount. For convenientconnection to the home's wiring, the base modules can be temporarilyhung from the chassis in an orientation that positions all the wiresclose together.

Various embodiments provide methods of installing a lighting controlsystem. The methods include attaching a chassis to an electrical wallbox, the chassis comprising at least one hook extending in an upwarddirection and at least one opening, the at least one hook positionedalong a peripheral portion of the at least one opening. The methodsinclude hanging a base module from the at least one hook in the chassis.The base modules include a base housing forming a well and including afirst electrical connector positioned in the well. The first electricalconnector is connected to a power circuit that is configured to receivecurrent from an alternating current (A.C.) power supply and isconfigured for electrical coupling with a lighting circuit of a lightfixture. The methods include coupling a plurality of base module wiresextending from the base module to a plurality of electrical wall boxwires extending from the electrical wall box contemporaneously with thebase module hanging from the at least one hook, the wires configured toconnect the A.C. power supply to the base module. The methods includeremoving the base module from the at least one hook after connecting theplurality of base module wires to the plurality of electrical wall boxwires. The methods include nesting the base module into wall box suchthat well extends through the opening in the chassis and into theelectrical wall box, wherein nesting further comprises engaging the atleast one opening in the base module with the at least one hook. Thebase module is turned 180 degrees from the hanging position to thenesting position along an axis coplanar with a wall in which theelectrical wall box is positioned.

In some implementations, hanging the base module from the hook includeshanging the base module below the opening in the chassis.

In some implementations, the hooks create a vertical slot for aslide-lock engagement with the hanging base module, the slide-lockengagement configured to prevent the hanging hook from tilting viaparallel surfaces of the base module and chassis coplanar engagementwith one another.

In some implementations, hanging the base module comprises hanging thebase module from a pair of hooks.

In some implementations, the base module comprises at least fouropenings and the chassis comprises at least four hooks and wherein thebase module is configured to hang from two openings positioned at a topportion of the chassis engaging two hooks positioned at a bottom portionof the chassis.

In some implementations, attaching comprising attaching the chassis tothe electrical wall box via screws.

In some implementations, engaging the at least one opening in the basemodule with the at least one hook further comprises a snap fitengagement of the at least one opening in the base module with the atleast one hook.

In some implementations, the at least one hook is configured for snapfit engagement with the at least one opening in the base module in thenested configuration and configured for a loos engagement with the atleast one opening in the base module in the hanging configuration.

In some implementations, engaging the at least one opening in the basemodule with the at least one hook further comprises engaging the chassiswithout a screw fastener.

In some implementations, the method includes attaching a wall plate tothe chassis over the base module, whereby the base module is positionedbetween the chassis and the wall plate.

In some implementations, the method includes nesting a light controlmodule in the base module. The light control modules includes a modulehousing, a second electrical connector configured for engagement withand electrical coupling to the first electrical connector of a basemodule when nested, and a switch control circuit positioned in thehousing and including a controller configured to modulate the flow ofelectrical energy to the lighting circuit via a dimmer circuit toproduce a plurality of lighting scenes by varying the quantity ofillumination of the light bulb, the switch control circuit electricallyconnected to the second electrical connector.

Various embodiments provide a chassis system according to any one of thepreceding claims. In some implementations, the chassis is configured tohold a plurality of nested base modules in parallel with one another.

It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing conceptsand additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided suchconcepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being partof the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, allcombinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of thisdisclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subjectmatter disclosed herein. It should also be appreciated that terminologyexplicitly employed herein that also may appear in any disclosureincorporated by reference should be accorded a meaning most consistentwith the particular concepts disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings primarily are for illustrative purposes and are notintended to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter describedherein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; in some instances,various aspects of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein may beshown exaggerated or enlarged in the drawings to facilitate anunderstanding of different features. In the drawings, like referencecharacters generally refer to like features (e.g., functionally similarand/or structurally similar elements).

FIG. 1A is a perspective partially exploded view of a lighting controldevice.

FIG. 1B is a fully exploded view of the lighting control device of FIG.1A

FIG. 2A shows the lighting control device of FIG. 1A mounted on a wall.

FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate multi-switch lighting control devices.

FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate a lighting control device transitioning throughvarious lighting settings and a room having lighting fixtures controlledby the lighting control device.

FIG. 4 provides a flow diagram of operations of a system for controllinga lighting control device.

FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of a system for remotely operating alighting control device.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of a system for remotely configuringoperations of a lighting control device.

FIG. 7 shows a pre-mount chassis and procedure for installing lightingcontrol system components with a pre-mount chassis.

FIG. 8 is a schematic of a lighting control system.

The features and advantages of the inventive subject matter disclosedherein will become more apparent from the detailed description set forthbelow when taken in conjunction with the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Following below are more detailed descriptions of various conceptsrelated to, and exemplary embodiments of, inventive systems, methods andcomponents of lighting control devices.

FIG. 1A is a perspective partially exploded view of a lighting controldevice 100. The lighting control device 100 includes a switch module 102including a light switch actuator 106 and a tactile display 104 housedin the light switch actuator 106. The lighting control device 100 alsoincludes a wall-plate cover 108 including a switch module opening 110extending therethrough. The lighting control device 100 also includes abase module 112 configured for coupling to the switch module 102 viamulti-pin socket 114. The base module 112 is sized and configured forreceipt within a one-gang wall electrical box and has a volumecorresponding substantially thereto. The base module 112 is configuredto be coupled to a wall electrical box via connection tabs 116 andfastener apertures 118 in the connection tabs 116.

The light switch actuator 106 includes an outer actuation surface 122,which as discussed further herein may be composed of glass. Theactuation surface 122 is movable, for example, by pushing on the curvedfoot 120 to cause the light switch actuator 106 to pivot, for example.The pivoting of the light switch actuator 106 and the actuation surface122 causes a contact component (shown in FIG. 2) of the switch actuator106 to move from a first position to a second position. Movement of thecontact component causes a connection of an electrical flow path, forexample by allowing two electrical contacts to connect or by connectingthe contact component with an electrical contact. The connecting of theelectrical flow path, permits electrical energy supplied by a powersource connected to the base module 112 to energize or activate thetactile display 104, as discussed in further detail herein. The tactiledisplay 104 is structured in the switch module to move contemporaneouslywith at least a portion of the actuation surface 122 and with theactuator 106. When activated or energized, the tactile display 104allows a user to define or select predefined lighting settings where thelighting settings change the voltage or power supplied to one or morelight fixtures. The change in power supplied to the light fixtures mayinclude a plurality of different voltages supplied to each fixture andmay be based on various parameters including, but not limited to,location, light intensity, light color, type of bulb, type of light,ambient light levels, time of day, kind of activity, room temperature,noise level, energy costs, user proximity, user identity, or variousother parameters which may be specified or detected. Furthermore, thelighting control device 100 may be connected to all of the lights in aroom or even in a house and can be configured to operate cooperativelywith one or more other lighting control devices 100 located in a unit orroom and connected to the same or distinct lighting fixtures.

FIG. 1B is a fully exploded view of the lighting control device 100 ofFIG. 1A. As demonstrated in FIG. 1B, the tactile display 104 ispositioned between the outer actuation surface 122 and the light switchactuator 106. The actuation surface 122 may be composed of animpact-resistant glass material permitting light from the tactiledisplay 104 and/or a clear sight of path for sensors 127 or otherlights, such as a light from light pipe 126 indicating activation topass through the actuation surface 122. The tactile display 104 iscomposed of a polymer-based capacitive touch layer 124 and a lightemitting diode panel 125, which are controlled via one or more modulesor processors positioned on the printed circuit board 129. The tactiledisplay 104 is housed within a recess 131 of the light switch actuator106 beneath the actuation surface 122. The light switch actuator 106 maybe formed as a thermoplastic housing including a housing cover 133 and ahousing base 135. The light switch actuator housing cover 133 ispivotally connected to the housing base 135 via pins 136 and the housingcover 133 is biased with respect the housing base 135 via torsion spring137. In particular embodiments, the light switch actuator housing cover133 may be configured to slide or otherwise translate or rotate. Theouter actuation surface 122 is biased with the switch actuator housingcover 133 and moves contemporaneously therewith in concert with thetactile display 104 housed in the cover component 133 of the lightswitch actuator 106. The light switch actuator 106 includes a switch pin128 movable between positions to close an open circuit on the primaryprinted circuit board substrate 150, which board also houses a switchcontroller or processor. In certain embodiments the light switchactuator 106 may include a circuit board stack, including the primaryprinted circuit board substrate 150 and a secondary printed circuitboard 138 The light switch actuator 106 may include a latch 136 forcoupling to the base module 112 (e.g. as the light switch actuator 106is passed through the opening 110 in the wall-plate cover 108), whichlatch causes the light switch actuator 106 to click into place. Thehousing base 135 includes a multi-pin connector or plug 134 configuredto engage the multi-pin socket 114 of the base module 112.

The lighting control device 100 includes a mounting chassis 142configured to be installed to an electrical wall box. The mountingchassis 142 creates an even surface for installation of the othermodules (e.g., the base module 112 and the switch module 102). Once thebase module is connected to the electrical wall box via the mountingchassis 142, the wall plate cover 108 can be coupled to the mountingchassis 142 and the light switch actuator 106 can be inserted throughthe switch module opening 110. In particular embodiments, the wall platecover can be coupled to the mounting chassis 142 and/or the tabs 116 ofthe base module via magnets. The magnets may be recessed within openingsof a portion of the wall plate cover 108. As noted, the base module 112is configured to be coupled to the mounting chassis 142 via connectiontabs 116. The base module 112 is further configured to be electricallycoupled to a power source (e.g., an electrical wire coming from anelectrical breaker box to the electrical wall box) and to one or morelight fixtures wired to the electrical box. Accordingly, the base module112 provides an interface between a power source, the light switchactuator 106, and one or more light fixtures. The base module includes aprocessor 140 and a circuit board 141 for managing the power supplied bythe power source and routed to the one or more light fixtures inaccordance with a light setting selection identified via the lightswitch actuator 106 or the tactile display 104.

One or more of the processor on the printed circuit board 15038 a or 138b 130 and the base module processor 140 may include wireless links forcommunication with one or more remote electronic device such as a mobilephone, a tablet, a laptop, another mobile computing devices, one or moreother lighting control devices 100 or other electronic devices operatingin a location. In certain implementations the wireless links permitcommunication with one or more devices including, but not limited tosmart light bulbs, thermostats, garage door openers, door locks, remotecontrols, televisions, security systems, security cameras, smokedetectors, video game consoles, robotic systems, or other communicationenabled sensing and/or actuation devices or appliances. The wirelesslinks may include BLUETOOTH classes, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth-low-energy, alsoknown as BLE, 802.15.4, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access(WiMAX), an infrared channel or satellite band. The wireless links mayalso include any cellular network standards used to communicate amongmobile devices, including, but not limited to, standards that qualify as1G, 2G, 3G, or 4G. The network standards may qualify as one or moregeneration of mobile telecommunication standards by fulfilling aspecification or standards such as the specifications maintained byInternational Telecommunication Union. The 3G standards, for example,may correspond to the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000(IMT-2000) specification, and the 4G standards may correspond to theInternational Mobile Telecommunications Advanced (IMT-Advanced)specification. Examples of cellular network standards include AMPS, GSM,GPRS, UMTS, LTE, LTE Advanced, Mobile WiMAX, and WiMAX-Advanced.Cellular network standards may use various channel access methods e.g.FDMA, TDMA, CDMA, or SDMA. In some embodiments, different types of datamay be transmitted via different links and standards. In otherembodiments, the same types of data may be transmitted via differentlinks and standards.

FIG. 2A shows the lighting control device 100 of FIG. 1A mounted on awall 200. As demonstrated in FIG. 2A, the base module 112 is not visibleupon installation of the lighting control device 100 in view of thewall-plate cover 108. Because the wall-plate cover 108 attaches to thebase module 112, the wall-plate cover 108 appears to be floating on thewall 200. The lighting control device 100 may be activated by a user 103interacting with the outer actuation surface 122 and the tactile display104.

FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate multi-switch configurations of multiplelighting control device. FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate a two switch andthree switch embodiment respectively where the lighting control devices202 and 203 each include a light switch actuator 106 as well asauxiliary switches 204 and 208, as well as 2 and 3 base modules 112,respectively.

FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate a lighting control device transitioning throughvarious lighting settings and a room having lighting fixtures controlledby the lighting control device.

In FIG. 3A, the lighting control device 300 is connected to a basemodule positioned behind the wall-plate 308. The lighting control device300 includes a dynamic light switch actuator 306, operable in a mannersimilar to the light switch actuator discussed in connection with FIGS.1A-2C, and an auxiliary light switch actuator. As demonstrated in FIG.3A by the unilluminated outer actuation surface 322 of the light switchactuator 306 is inactive and not energized. In response to a user 103moving the actuation surface 322 of the light switch actuator 306, thelight switch actuator 306 begins to become energized, as shown in FIG.3B. The energization or activation of the light switch actuator 306 issignaled by the power light indicator 305 and by full lighting settingicon 351. As shown in FIG. 3C where the icon 351 is fully lit (ratherthan partially lit as in FIG. 3B), the light switch actuator 306 isfully energized. In this particular configuration, the primary lights309 and 310 are illuminated at full power. FIG. 3D shows the transitionbetween lighting settings. As demonstrated in FIG. 3D, this transitionis facilitated via user 103 completing swiping gesture 312 across thetactile display 304 and along the actuation surface 322. As the usercompletes the gesture 312, the icon 351 is swiped from the tactiledisplay 304 as the tactile display toggles to a new light setting shownin FIG. 3E. The new light setting shown in FIG. 3E is represented oridentified by the dinner icon 352. The new light setting shown in FIG.3E has the light fixture 309 powered down and has caused lamp 316 andsconces 318 to become illuminated to change the lighting scene in theroom. The change in the light setting causes a change in distribution ofpower to certain lighting fixture based on the selected lightingsetting. The light switch actuator 306 may be pre-programmed with aplurality of lighting settings or may be configured with particularlighting settings as specified by the user 103. A further swipinggesture 315 shown in FIG. 3F or a different gesture are used totransition from the lighting setting of FIG. 3F represented by icon 352to a further lighting setting.

FIG. 4 provides a flow diagram of operations of a system for controllinga lighting control device. FIG. 4 illustrates control operations of acontrol system, such as processor 130 configured to control the lightingcontrol device 100 or 300, in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent invention. At 401, the tactile display housed in the lightswitch actuator is activated by moving the light switch actuator, forexample by moving the actuation surface of the light switch actuator. At402, the light fixtures electrically coupled to the light switchactuator via a base module are powered as the movement of the lightswitch actuator causes a contact component to move into a new positionand thereby permit or cause an electrical flow path between a powersource and the light fixture(s) to be closed. The tactile display housedin the light switch actuator is moved contemporaneously with theactuation surface. At 403, a lighting setting selection request isreceived via the tactile display, for example by a particular motion ormotions on the tactile display. The lighting setting selection requestidentifies a lighting setting from among a plurality of lightingsettings. A user may swipe multiple times to toggle through theplurality of lighting settings or may conduct a specific motion thatcorresponds to a particular lighting setting including, but not limitedto, a half swipe and tap to achieve a light intensity of all theconnected light fixtures at half of their peak output. The lightingsettings identify distinct power distribution schemes for one or morelight fixtures connected to the light switch module. At 404, a powerdistribution scheme is identified. At 405, the identified powerdistribution scheme is transmitted, for example by the base moduleresponding to control signals from the light switch actuator, to adjustone, some, or all of the lights based on the power distribution schemecorresponding to the lighting setting selected. The power distributionschemes or profiles may be stored in a memory device of the lightingcontrol device. In certain embodiments, the power distribution schemesmay be adjusted to account for other parameters such as ambient lightingfrom natural light or an unconnected source. In certain embodiments thepower distribution schemes may be adjusted based on one or more othersensor parameters. In particular embodiments, the lighting setting maybe adjusted by automation based on time of day, sensed parameters suchas light, temperature, noise, or activation of other devices including,but not limited to, any electronic device described herein.

FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of system for remotely operating a lightingcontrol device. In particular embodiments, the lighting control device100 or 300 may be operable from a remote device if the actuator switchis activated or energized. In such instances, the remote device mayinclude one or more computer program applications, such as system 500,operating on the device to communicate with and control the lightingcontrol device. Accordingly, at 501, the control system 500 initiates aconnection module to generate a communication interface between a mobileelectronic device and a light switch module. The connection module maycause the remote device to send one or more wireless transmission to thelighting control device via a communication protocol. At 502, thecontrol system 500 causes the remote device to generate a display oficons on a display device of the mobile electronic device to facilitateselection of a lighting setting. At 503, the control system 500 receivesa lighting setting selection based on the user selecting a particularicon. At 504, a transmission module causes the lighting setting selectedto be transmitted to the lighting control device so that the lightswitch module and/or the base module can cause the power distributionscheme corresponding to the lighting setting to be transmitted to thelighting fixtures. The tactile display of the lighting control devicemay be updated in concert with receipt of the lighting setting todisplay the icon selected on the mobile electronic device andcorresponding to the lighting setting selected on the tactile device.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of a system for remotely configuringoperations of a lighting control device. The remote device may includedevices including, but not limited to a mobile phone, a mobile computingdevice or a computing device remote from the light control device. At601, the mobile electronic device generates a communication interfacewith the light switch module. At 602 a light fixture identificationmodule initiates a sensor based protocol to identify a parameterassociated with one or more light fixtures connected to the light switchcontrol module. At 603, a display selection module causes a display ofan icon to appear on a display device of the mobile electronic device.At 604, a lighting setting configuration module allows a user to createa power distribution scheme or profile for the light fixtures identifiedbased on the identified parameters and a user specified input related tolight intensity. At 604, a storage module is used to the store the powerdistribution scheme and associate a particular lighting setting iconwith the power distribution scheme. At 605, a transmission moduletransmits the power distribution scheme and the associated icon to thelight switch control module.

FIG. 7 shows a pre-mount chassis and procedure for installing lightingcontrol system components with a pre-mount chassis. To install thesystem a user mounts the chassis 701 to wall box 702 using screws, suchas 6-32 screws. The chassis 701 fits to different types of wall boxes,including new construction wall boxes and old construction wall boxesand plastic and metal. The chassis 701 can be scaled to a plurality ofgang box sizes, such as single, double, triple and quadruple gang boxes.The chassis 701 is compatible to fit different wall box screws and canalso accommodate drywall screws. An installer hangs each base 112 module(“lighting control module”) upon the bottom hooks 703 of the chassis701. According to the orientation of the wires, left to right, the userconnects each wire from the base module 112 to the corresponding wiresin the wall box 702 of the home or building, for example with wire nuts.In certain embodiments, (given the availability of a neutral wire in thewall box 702), the user can gain access to an additional neutral wires,which can be concealed by a pull-away sticker (not shown) in the body ofthe base 112. Once all wires are connected and organized in the wall box701, the user removes the base 112 from the bottom chassis hooks 703,rotates the base 112 into an upright position and presses the base 112into the chassis' four hooks (two top 703 b, two bottom 703). The base112 is then slid downward into a locked position. A small protrusion inthe chassis registers to a corresponding cavity ion the back of the base112 mounting plate. The chassis 701 has a raised nub centered upon thewall-plate screw hole of the base module 112. The snap is notpermanent—the slide-lock action may be assembled and removed repeatedly.The wall plate 704 is then affixed to the chassis with snap-fitmechanisms. Registration details are incorporated in the wall plate sothat once it's installed it locks the Base into place. When the wallplate 704 is assembled, the base 112 cannot be removed without removingthe wall plate first. The directions of the two snap in components, thebase 112 to chassis 701 and the wall plate 704 to the chassis 700, areorthogonal to each other which reinforces a secure locked assembly.

FIG. 8 is a schematics of a lighting control system 800 configured toexecute lighting control operations described herein. The lightingcontrol system 800 illustrates lighting control system components thatcan be implemented with a lighting control system including an air gapsystem as described herein. The lighting control system 800 is depictedseparated into a base lighting control module 812 (which may beconfigured in a manner similar to base module 112) and a switch moduleor switch controller 802 (which may be configured in a manner similar toswitch module 102). As described herein, the switch module 802 caninclude a tactile interface, operable via the graphical user interfacemodule 852, and a switch actuator, such as the tactile display 104 andthe light switch actuator 106 described herein. The switch module 802houses a processor 850, which may be configured to send commands tomicrocontroller 840 and receive inputs from the micro-controller 840 tocontrol the operation of a transformer 818, a power isolator and an ACto DC converter 814 (which may include a flyback converter), and adimmer, such as a TRIAC dimmer 813, a voltage and current sensor 816. Insome embodiments, the base lighting control module 812 may include aMOSFET dimmer. The power isolator 814 separates the analog AC currentfrom the low power or DC digital components in the base lighting controlmodule 812 and the switch module 802. The power isolate 814 may providepower inputs to the switch control module 802 via a power module 853.Power module 853 includes power circuitry configured to regulate theflow of power from the base module 812 to the switch controller module802 including directing power to one or more of the modules in theswitch controller module 802. The switch module 802 also houses acommunication module, which can include one or more antennae or otherwireless communication modules. The switch module 802 also houses asensor module, which can include one or more sensors, such as a lightsensor, a camera, a microphone, a thermometer, a humidity sensor, and anair quality sensor. The processor 850, is communicably coupled with oneor more modules in the switch module 802 to control the operation of andreceive inputs from those modules, for example to control modulation ofthe flow of electrical energy to a lighting circuit of a light fixture824 connected to the base lighting control module 812.

The base lighting control module 812 includes a ground terminal 830 forgrounding various electrical components container in the module 812. Thebase light control module 812 includes a neutral terminal 828 forconnecting to a neutral wire, a line terminal 826, and a load terminal822. As shown in FIG. 8, the voltage and current sensor(s) are coupledto the load line to detect changes in the voltage or current along theline carrying power to one or more light fixtures 824 connected to thelighting circuit (750). The base lighting control module 812 alsoincludes a controller 840 communicably coupled to the processor 850. Thebase lighting control module 812 also includes LED indicator lights 842and 841 for indicating information regarding the status of the baselighting control module 812. For example, in some embodiments LEDindicator light 841 can indicates if a neutral wire is connected whileLED indicator light 842 can indicate if a 3 way connection is connected.

Implementations of the subject matter and the operations described inthis specification can be implemented by digital electronic circuitry,or via computer software, firmware, or hardware, including thestructures disclosed in this specification and their structuralequivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. Implementationsof the subject matter described in this specification can be implementedas one or more computer programs, i.e., one or more modules of computerprogram instructions, encoded on computer storage medium for executionby, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus.

A computer storage medium can be, or be included in, a computer-readablestorage device, a computer-readable storage substrate, a random orserial access memory array or device, or a combination of one or more ofthem. Moreover, while a computer storage medium is not a propagatedsignal, a computer storage medium can be a source or destination ofcomputer program instructions encoded in an artificially generatedpropagated signal. The computer storage medium can also be, or beincluded in, one or more separate physical components or media (e.g.,multiple CDs, disks, or other storage devices).

The operations described in this specification can be implemented asoperations performed by a data processing apparatus on data stored onone or more computer-readable storage devices or received from othersources.

The term “data processing apparatus” encompasses all kinds of apparatus,devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example aprogrammable processor, a computer, a system on a chip, or multipleones, or combinations, of the foregoing. The apparatus can includespecial purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gatearray) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). Theapparatus can also include, in addition to hardware, code that createsan execution environment for the computer program in question, e.g.,code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a databasemanagement system, an operating system, a cross-platform runtimeenvironment, a virtual machine, or a combination of one or more of them.The apparatus and execution environment can realize various differentcomputing model infrastructures, such as web services, distributedcomputing and grid computing infrastructures.

A computer program (also known as a program, software, softwareapplication, script, or code) can be written in any form of programminglanguage, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative orprocedural languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as astand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, orother unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computerprogram may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. Aprogram can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programsor data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup languagedocument), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or inmultiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules,sub programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployedto be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are locatedat one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by acommunication network.

The processes and logic flows described in this specification can beperformed by one or more programmable processors executing one or morecomputer programs to perform actions by operating on input data andgenerating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performedby, and apparatus can also be implemented as, special purpose logiccircuitry, e.g., a FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC(application specific integrated circuit).

Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, byway of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, andany one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, aprocessor will receive instructions and data from a read only memory ora random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer area processor for performing actions in accordance with instructions andone or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally,a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive datafrom or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices forstoring data, e.g., magnetic, magneto optical disks, or optical disks.However, a computer need not have such devices. Moreover, a computer canbe embedded in another device, e.g., a mobile telephone, a personaldigital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio or video player, a game console,a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, or a portable storage device(e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive), to name just a few.Devices suitable for storing computer program instructions and datainclude all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices,including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM,EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal harddisks or removable disks; magneto optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROMdisks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, orincorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

To provide for interaction with a user, implementations of the subjectmatter described in this specification can be implemented on a computerhaving a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquidcrystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user and akeyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by whichthe user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices canbe used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example,feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g.,visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input fromthe user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, ortactile input. In addition, a computer can interact with a user bysending documents to and receiving documents from a device that is usedby the user; for example, by sending web pages to a web browser on auser's user device in response to requests received from the webbrowser.

Implementations of the subject matter described in this specificationcan be implemented in a computing system that includes a back endcomponent, e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middlewarecomponent, e.g., an application server, or that includes a front endcomponent, e.g., a user computer having a graphical display or a Webbrowser through which a user can interact with an implementation of thesubject matter described in this specification, or any combination ofone or more such back end, middleware, or front end components. Thecomponents of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium ofdigital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples ofcommunication networks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a widearea network (“WAN”), an inter-network (e.g., the Internet), andpeer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).

The computing system can include users and servers. A user and serverare generally remote from each other and typically interact through acommunication network. The relationship of user and server arises byvirtue of computer programs running on the respective computers andhaving a user-server relationship to each other. In someimplementations, a server transmits data (e.g., an HTML page) to a userdevice (e.g., for purposes of displaying data to and receiving userinput from a user interacting with the user device). Data generated atthe user device (e.g., a result of the user interaction) can be receivedfrom the user device at the server.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details,these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of anyinventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions offeatures specific to particular implementations of particularinventions. Certain features that are described in this specification inthe context of separate implementations can also be implemented incombination in a single implementation. Conversely, various featuresthat are described in the context of a single implementation can also beimplemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitablesub combination. Moreover, although features may be described above asacting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, oneor more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excisedfrom the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asub combination or variation of a sub combination.

For the purpose of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joiningof two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining maybe stationary or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved withthe two members or the two members and any additional intermediatemembers being integrally formed as a single unitary body with oneanother or with the two members or the two members and any additionalintermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may bepermanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.

It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differaccording to other exemplary implementations, and that such variationsare intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. It isrecognized that features of the disclosed implementations can beincorporated into other disclosed implementations.

While various inventive implementations have been described andillustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readilyenvision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing thefunction and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of theadvantages described herein, and each of such variations and/ormodifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventiveimplementations described herein. More generally, those skilled in theart will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials,and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and thatthe actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations willdepend upon the specific application or applications for which theinventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art willrecognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routineexperimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventiveimplementations described herein. It is, therefore, to be understoodthat the foregoing implementations are presented by way of example onlyand that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalentsthereto, inventive implementations may be practiced otherwise than asspecifically described and claimed. Inventive implementations of thepresent disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system,article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, anycombination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials,kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials,kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included withinthe inventive scope of the present disclosure.

Also, the technology described herein may be embodied as a method, ofwhich at least one example has been provided. The acts performed as partof the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly,implementations may be constructed in which acts are performed in anorder different than illustrated, which may include performing some actssimultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrativeimplementations.

The implementations described herein should not be read as limited tothe described order or elements unless stated to that effect. It shouldbe understood that various changes in form and detail may be made by oneof ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention. All implementations that come within the spirit andscope of the present disclosure and equivalents thereto are claimed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of installing a lighting control system,the method comprising: attaching a chassis to an electrical wall box,the chassis comprising at least one hook extending in an upwarddirection and at least one opening, the at least one hook positionedalong a peripheral portion of the at least one opening; hanging a basemodule from the at least one hook in the chassis, the base modulescomprising: a base housing forming a well and including a firstelectrical connector positioned in the well, the first electricalconnector connected to a power circuit that is configured to receivecurrent from an alternating current (A.C.) power supply and isconfigured for electrical coupling with a lighting circuit of a lightfixture; coupling a plurality of base module wires extending from thebase module to a plurality of electrical wall box wires extending fromthe electrical wall box contemporaneously with the base module hangingfrom the at least one hook, the wires configured to connect the A.C.power supply to the base module; removing the base module from the atleast one hook after connecting the plurality of base module wires tothe plurality of electrical wall box wires; and nesting the base moduleinto wall box such that well extends through the opening in the chassisand into the electrical wall box, wherein nesting further comprisesengaging the at least one opening in the base module with the at leastone hook.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein hanging the basemodule from the hook comprises hanging the base module below the openingin the chassis.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the hookscreate a vertical slot for a slide-lock engagement with the hanging basemodule, the slide-lock engagement configured to prevent the hanging hookfrom tilting via parallel surfaces of the base module and chassiscoplanar engagement with one another.
 4. The method according to claim1, wherein hanging the base module comprises hanging the base modulefrom a pair of hooks.
 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein thebase module comprises at least four openings and the chassis comprisesat least four hooks and wherein the base module is configured to hangfrom two openings positioned at a top portion of the chassis engagingtwo hooks positioned at a bottom portion of the chassis.
 6. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein attaching comprising attaching the chassisto the electrical wall box via screws.
 7. The method according to claim1, wherein engaging the at least one opening in the base module with theat least one hook further comprises a snap fit engagement of the atleast one opening in the base module with the at least one hook.
 8. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein the at least one hook is configuredfor snap fit engagement with the at least one opening in the base modulein the nested configuration and configured for a loos engagement withthe at least one opening in the base module in the hangingconfiguration.
 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein engaging theat least one opening in the base module with the at least one hookfurther comprises engaging the chassis without a screw fastener.
 10. Themethod according to claim 1, further comprising attaching a wall plateto the chassis over the base module, whereby the base module ispositioned between the chassis and the wall plate.
 11. The methodaccording to claim 10, further comprising nesting a light control modulein the base module, the light control modules comprising: a modulehousing, a second electrical connector configured for engagement withand electrical coupling to the first electrical connector of a basemodule when nested, and a switch control circuit positioned in thehousing and including a controller configured to modulate the flow ofelectrical energy to the lighting circuit via a dimmer circuit toproduce a plurality of lighting scenes by varying the quantity ofillumination of the light bulb, the switch control circuit electricallyconnected to the second electrical connector.